Yu Yu Hakusho Movie 2: The Poltergeist Report Review by Rashad Moore
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The second Yu Yu Hakusho Movie (which came out in the U.S. before the first) improves over technically over the first animation-wise. Although some viewers that are new to the series won't completely follow the otherwise simplistic storyline, and it isn't as memorable or inspiring as other anime movies (does it really need to?) "The Poltergeist Report" suceeds at where it all counts, action. This movie can be kind of summarized as a gothic Dragon Ball Z, "The Poltergeist Report" is definitely not a bad way to spend your time.

After a mysterious flood puts the entire Spirit World underwater, it is now apparent that it was the work of the Netherworld. After Boton is sent to Earth, to warn Yusuke and his friends of the oncoming threat, Lord Yukumo, the evil ruler of the Netherworld wastes no time in his plans to conquer Earth and turn it into the next Netherworld. Now Yuskue and the others begin an intense struggle to defend Earth from Yakumo, and restore the Spirit World.

While the storyline isn't very original, (in fact wev'e heard it plenty of times) The Poltergeist Report fills that gap with all out action. The fight scenes were very well choreographed and just as exciting and enjoyable as well. The film waste no time in throwing the characters plenty of demon-lackies to fight. (With plenty of property damage as well.) The climax was also just as exciting, although it tended to drag a little too long. (Although that would've made the movie shorter.) The main problem with the movie is that everything happens so quickly that you get a lack of proper introduction to the main characters. Some you hardly even get to know. (Although that would've really slowed down the movie.) "The Poltergeist Report" is not quite the best place to start for non-Yu Yu Hakusho fans. The story may be a bit hard to follow for them as well, with some events in the movie may make them wish they have seen the TV Series to gain further understanding. But new fans will pick up on it and immediately get into the characters and story. In both ways, the movie will get people into the series, and never tends to get too confusing for new audiences. In fact this movie is pretty much a no-brainer as well. (Which is by no means a bad thing.)

The animation isn't eye-popping as other anime movies, but nonetheless it succeeds technically over the first film, with very colorful visuals and awesomely choreographed fight scenes and mostly violent action. The dubbing was well-done also, although a few voices were cheesy, the actors played their parts well and matched every character just as good. The high-quality music was also well done, although it did tend to become a tad repetetive at moments, the score was easy and enjoyable to listen too. It also matched the gothic style of the fight scenes very well, especially at the film's climax.

A good watch for both Yu Yu Hakusho fans and hardened anime otaku who likes a lot of action in their anime. It's definitely worth picking up and spending an evening with. "The Poltergeist Report" is all about action, and thats the bottom line.

Image not created by me. Nov 99 review by vmoore86